Course Descriptions

Below are a sampling of the course offerings for 2014-2015

CORE

300 Introduction to Graduate Study and Research This course is an introduction to science and research in Kinesiology. It is designed to foster an understanding of the research employed in the subdisciplines. It is also intended to prepare the student to write comprehensive literature reviews. Ethical issues in research are discussed, the qualities of good research are reviewed, and students learn how to critically analyze the empirical research in our field.

305 Philosophical Foundations of Kinesiology This course is an introduction to the basic foundations of philosophy as they relate to the sport and physical activity domain. The course is designed to promote an understanding of the nature of philosophy and the major schools of philosophical thought. Topics include: The importance of philosophy to physical education and athletics; various teaching and coaching philosophies; ethical issues in sport and physical activity (e.g. drug use); and close examinations of contemporary social issues associated with race, ethnicity, and gender.

320 Administration of Kinesiology This course is designed to give students an understanding and appreciation of the administrative process as it applies to K-12 and college physical education and athletic programs. Current literature in the areas of business and management are discussed. Topics include: developing administrative styles; diversity issues as they relate to effective management of human resources; revenue acquisition and budget development; media relations; intraorganizational competition; sponsorship acquisition and retention; marketing; and event management.

330 Supervision and Legal Aspects This course focuses on proactive risk management for teachers, coaches, and administrators that will minimize their organizations’ legal liability. Topics include: an overview of the legal system; tort liability through negligence in supervision; facility care and maintenance; and hiring. These topics will be examined primarily in the context of case law in the California courts.

370 Psychological Analysis of Sport and Exercise This course is an exploration of the psychosocial dimensions of physical activity. Current theories and empirical research are discussed in an effort to understand the mental aspects of sport and exercise. Topics include: Goal orientation, motivational climate, self-esteem, arousal regulation, performance enhancement techniques, leadership, and character development through sport.

ELECTIVES

301c Comprehensive Examinations 301C is a full day culminating experience required for degree completion. Students sit for five one-hour written examinations covering the content of each of the core courses.

301 Thesis301 is an extensive, culminating research project that students in the 25 month degree option may choose to complete in lieu of the comprehensive examinations.

324 Human Motor Performance This course is an overview of the neurophysical foundations of motor behavior in the sports and physical activity domain. Current theories, empirical research, and applied practices in the areas of coaching, psychology, pedagogy, and motor skill development are discussed. Topics include: motor program theory, facilitating an ideal learning environment, and the roles of the learner and the instructor in motor skill acquisition.

375 Applied Concepts in Exercise Science This course is a study of the physiological adaptations that the body makes to exercise. Current theories and empirical research are applied to the response of acute exercise and the chronic adaptations that occur in the metabolic, cardio-respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. This provides the basis for constructing suitable conditioning programs for sport and exercise participation. In-class lab activites are designed to present measurement techniques and evaluate physical fitness.

371 The Management of Sport OrganizationsThis course provides a detailed understanding of the application of the general principles of management and leadership to the sport industry and the management of sport organizations. It provides an overview of the sport industry, the issues encountered by managers of sport organizations and how management techniques can be applied to effectively address these issues.

372 Media and Public RelationsThis course focuses on understanding and managing the relations between sport organizations and media agencies. Topics include both the historical perspectives on the influence of mass media on sport, as well as present day techniques used by sport organizations to manage all aspects of media relations including significant recent changes brought about by the increased use of social media.

374 Planning and Staging Sport EventsThis course focuses upon the political and organizational dynamics required to plan and stage sporting events. Topics include: political processes required to gain event approval; security and risk management; financial analysis and budget planning; event marketing; human resource needs; media and public relations; spectator and VIP needs; transportation and parking; medical and safety requirements; and design requirements for temporary and long term facilities to host events.

*380 Colloquium (every summer)During the first week of each summer session, a group of leading scholars and professionals is invited to campus to address the department’s graduate students. The 4 -day colloquium focuses on one of the following contemporary issues in our field:

395Internship This one, two or three unit course allows students to gain practical experience in areas of the field of most interest to them. The student applies to and is selected to an internship site either on or off campus and then completes the necessary work and academic requirements.

399Independent Study This one, two or three unit course involves an independent review of literature or original research project in a topical area of interest in the field. The student proposes a topic and reading list to be approved by the faculty member with a specialty area most closely relating to the student topic. The student then completes and discusses the readings and research under direction of this faculty member.